Watch: Dog surfing world championships delight crowds in Pacifica, California

The World Championships for Dog Surfing, an event based on the California coast where the sport originated, brought together talented canine surfers and their owners. The competition, which supports charity, saw dozens of dogs hit the waves over the weekend.
Unlike the high-stakes surfing competitions of the Paris Olympics in Tahiti, these dogs weren’t catching giant barrels.However, they showcased impressive skills, delighting fans at the World Dog Surfing Championship in Pacifica, California. About 15 dogs participated, navigating surfboards with style and enthusiasm in a relaxed competition.

The sport of dog surfing was launched in 2006 by TCB Cafe Publishing, originally named the “Small Wave Surf Dog Competition.” The concept was first introduced by the author of “The Dog’s Guide to Surfing,” who collaborated with a Southern California hotel to host the inaugural event at Loews Coronado hotel in San Diego. The success of this initial competition led to the creation of numerous similar events worldwide, including in California, Florida, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Now, TCB Cafe Publishing is expanding its Surf Dog Competition into an international series, inviting local surf groups, dog and pet organizations, and fans to join in the fun and compete for the title of “World Surf Dog Champion.”